Aoun Calls for Direct Lebanon-Israel Negotiations

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has called for direct negotiations with Israel under international auspices, marking a shift in Lebanon's official position.

Aoun's initiative includes a full ceasefire, support for the Lebanese Armed Forces, and the start of negotiations to implement these points. The proposal comes amid rising tensions and criticism of Hezbollah.

In a virtual meeting, Aoun described Hezbollah as an "armed group operating outside state authority," emphasizing the impact of the conflict on the Lebanese people, with over 600,000 displaced and hundreds killed.

Aoun criticized the rocket fire from Lebanon into Israel on March 2, calling it a "trap" that could lead to escalation and potentially turn Lebanon into a "second Gaza."

The Lebanese government has decided to ban any military activity by Hezbollah. Aoun's initiative has not yet received a response from Israel.